MANILA, Dec. 5 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) will push for practical cooperation in the defense sector anchored on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) solidarity and shared principles as the Philippines takes over the chairship of the bloc next year.

"For more than a decade, the ADMM (ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting) and ADMM-Plus have undoubtedly promoted practical cooperation, and during our chairship, we commit to building on the progress in key areas," DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in remarks delivered by Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino Thursday during the launch of the DND-led ASEAN 2026 engagements in Makati City.

The key areas include artificial intelligence, maritime security, ...